South Sea Rescuers Venerated “Birdman”

Northern Advocate, 23 July 1943, Page 5

South Sea Rescuers Venerated “Birdman”

(Official R.N.Z.A.F. News Service) GUADALCANAR, June 13. The closing stages of adventure that might have been pure fiction but was indeed solid fact were where a boat with high curved prow and double outriggers and manned by at least 24 stalwart natives, swept in from the sea and grounded on the beach within sight of a New Zealand camp. Seated on a type of improvised throne in the stern with cocoanuts, oranges and other gifts of fruit piled high around him, was an American pilot who had been missing nearly a fortnight. _ The American told an amazing story. Forced down during a sweep over enemy-held areas to the northwest of Cuadalcanar the pilot made a successful landing and almost immediately contacted natives who were not only friendly but who also spoke enough English to understand his request for assistance. With only sufficient delay for essential preparations the natives nonchalantly began a sea journey of between 150 and 200 miles. For over a week the natives paddled steadily towards Guadalcanal’, resting when exhausted and again taking up their self-imposed task. The pilot, seated in lordly state in the stern, was treated' with respect approaching awe. Instead of falling into Japanese hands, as he half expected, he had fallen among mission-taught natives who evidently regarded the man who flew as something supernatural. Having delivered their grateful passenger, the crew of the war canoe, suitably rewarded, turned their craft towards the north and began the long journey home. The pilot, back with his squadron is flying again, but has been heard to sigh for the few days when, as he put it, he was “as near as I’ll ever get to being treated like Royalty.”